Letters which have accompanied Wildlife Death Notices sent to the Ontario government.

Note: this was a past alert which has now expired.

February 2, 2006

I write this letter to you today and urge you to make amends to the new rules and regulations that supposedly are put in place to "help" our wildlife! By following these rules, we're taking away the power from the rehabilitators to do their job, and actually making the wildlife suffer. People who care about what happens to our wildlife have worked tirelessly every day in order to provide safe environments for these animals to be re-introduced into the world, only to have it taken away from them now.

Orphaned wildlife need to be raised with others from their own species to learn proper social behaviours. They then need to be released in appropriate natural areas, there should be no 15 km restriction placed here. Some orphaned, and rehabilitated animals are in need of transitional care, taking much needed baby steps as they re enter the world on their own. Under the new rules, there is just no way any of this can happen. These restrictions have already forced the closure of the Ottawa Carleton Wildlife Centre after the forceful seizure of its animals, and I ask how again is this helping our wildlife?

I urge you to address the new rules and regulations and question who they were really designed to help...and then make it right! Please!

Jen Carroll,
Ajax, Ontario

September 29, 2005

I live in BC now, but am from Ontario, and was horrified to see the notice below and to hear that the progressive society that Ontario is supposed to be, has implemented this backward regulation.

It is our fault, as destructive and selfish humans, that animals don't have proper habitat anymore and that they come into contact with humans and are injured as a consequence. We owe it to them and to this planet to practice conservation and wildlife protection and rehabilitation. This is not just our land - we share it with many, many other species, and our world as we know it will not survive if we continue in this selfish and destructive manner. It is up to our governments to lead by example.

I believe the Liberal party promised to reinstate progressive help for wildlife in Ontario - what has happened to that promise? Please reply to this e-mail to let me know what is being done to remedy this situation.

Sue Wrigley
Rossland, BC

September 19, 2005

To whom it may concern:

I was horrified to learn of this inhumane regulation in Ontario.

I am further disgusted that the MNR is doing nothing to change this policy. An immediate inquiry needs to be initiated by the government. Please change the MNR regulations to International Standards without delay.

I am interested in receiving a response to this email request once the issue has been reviewed.

Sincerely,

Meaghan Allen
British Columbia

September 16, 2005

Dear Sir/Madam:

I am appalled at what is happening to our wildlife in this province as shown in the following link where euthanasia of wildlife is occuring in spite of the fact there are animal rehabilitators more than happy to help these animals such as the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre. The centre has been closed because of your policies.

Why isn't the Liberal party honouring its promise to reinstate help for wildlife in Ontario? What kind of message are you sending to our young people and to the rest of the world when life is squandered, needlessly wiped out rather than protected? It is a precious trust and it is in your hands. Please change the MNR regulations to International standards without delay to prevent the deaths of any more animals.

I ask that you respond to this email request once the issue has been reviewed.

Regards,

C. Quibell
Toronto, Ontario

July 29, 2005

Several weeks ago I found 2 baby raccoons that were only about 7 weeks old. They had obviously been relocated by someone who had found them on their property and thought as long as the were put in a park they would be OK. I rescued these babies before they could be attacked by nearby dogs and took them home with the intention of doing everything possible to save them. I would have driven for hours it that is what it took to find a place they could be safely cared for, rehabilitated, and released.

I was thoroughly disgusted with the way I was spoken to by staff of both Earth Rangers and the Toronto Wildlife Centre. Both agencies told me of severe shortages of trained staff to care for such young raccoons. I offered to care for these helpless little creatures until they were of such an age that they would not require so much care. Not only was I told that it was against the law to care for them and threatened with being charged, but I was told raccoons were a threat to my life because a round worm would make its way to my brain and kill me or I would get rabies from them. When was the last time a person in Ontario died from rabies?! At the time I thought that they had turned their backs on the very wildlife they were supposed to be protecting as both agencies told me to have then euthanized. Now, after looking in to things further, I realize it is the Provincial Government which has turned its back on these defenseless creatures, in addition to campaign promises, and that these agencies are only doing as they have been instructed in order to keep their licenses.

It is intolerable that as we continue to destroy the natural habitat of wildlife at an alarming rate, our government is actively preventing people from assisting the very wildlife we have displaced. Maybe it is because these animals can't vote or that there is no money in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife. PEOPLE WHO LOVE ANIMALS DO NOT CARE FOR AND REHABILITATE THEM FOR THE MONEY! There are many people who are trained, willing, and able to safely rehabilitate wildlife. Why are you making it impossible for them to do so? What do you have against raccoons and skunks? I believe we are a far bigger nuisance to them then they could ever be to us. With your despicable regulations you are forcing people, who are not properly trained, to care for these animals in their homes because you are preventing the professionals from doing so.

I was once a law abiding citizen but apparently I am no longer because I chose not to euthanize these raccoons. My two babies will live to have their own litters because I chose to ignore instructions given to me by trained professionals. I found someone else who is no longer a law abiding citizen. This person instructed me on how to safely care for these babies until they were eating solid food on their own. Now this person is looking after them and will release them in to the wild where they belong. I realize this was only a small victory, it need not be.

Please do not allow the suffering of these animals to continue. While we cannot save all of them there are enough animal lovers who are willing to give of their time and money that the suffering can be drastically reduced.

I have always been a staunch supporter of the Progressive Conservative party. During this past Provincial election, for the first time, I voted Liberal. Neither party will have my vote next time unless things change for the better. As supposedly intelligent creatures at the top of the food chain we have a duty, an absolute obligation, to protect those weaker than us.

We should not be standing by and intentionally making these creatures suffer.

Please advise me by return e-mail of the action you intend to take.

Name withheld,
Toronto, Ontario

June 25, 2005

Dear Mr McGuinty:

I am APPALLED AT THE LACK OF HELP I have received about an injured baby crow, who is now dead. I tried calling someone for help because I did not know what to do and got nowhere. It is disgusting that politics comes into play when a life is suffering and it is my sincerest hope you will have whatever ministry involved look at ways of making it easier for people to find the help they need in trying to aid suffering animals or birds.

I phoned animal control, they refused to help, they said to call the Natural Resources department, but they are not open on weekends.

I phoned the Ontario SPCA Animal Rescue and they said they won't rescue wild animals and to call the Natural Resources on Monday. I told them the bird is seriously hurt and needs help now, WHAT CAN I DO. The man on the phone refused to help me and was rude about it to. I was upset to begin with because I wanted to help this suffering bird, and he only upset me further. I didn't have time to argue with him I just wanted someone to help me help the bird. I ended that conversation and got a box to see if maybe a local vet could take care of it, but by the time I got a box ready for it and my father arrived to my home to help me with it it was dead.

As I began in the first paragraph this is appalling, I would have taken responsibility for getting it the help it needed, I only needed someone to help me in advising me what to do and I found NO ONE. In fact people's attitudes were (in the tones of their voices) don't bother me. What makes matters worse is this is the second time I've received no help. Several months ago, in the early hours of the morning I saw a racoon hit by the car in front of me, I tried then to try to find someone to help me and got no help, it too died.

I'm sure I'm not the only person who has experienced this, and I truly hope the government can do something to change this problem, so other people won't go through the devastation and helplessness I experienced today.

Regards

Kim Butt
Innisfil, Ontario

June 13, 2005

A society is judged by how it treats it's animals. Ontario has a dismal record for the care and handling of wildlife as well as domestic animal abuse situations, and we will be judged harshly. It's about time our Liberal Government get serious and honour their promise to reinstate progressive help for wildlife in Ontario.

Please change the MNR regulations to International Standards without delay. I urge you, do not allow these creatures to become just another casualty of broken Liberal promises. I would like to know how you explain this cruelty to your children, Mr. McGuinty, when you have the power to stop it.

Sincerely,
JoAnne Barteski
Toronto, Ontario

Archaic Regulations

June 10, 2005

Dear Sir

Now more than ever it is important that the Liberal party honour the promise to reinstate progressive help for wildlife in Ontario.

We had a wonderful system and place called OTTAWA CARLETON WILDLIFE CENTER. With all the fear mongering tactics about the non-existent danger of Rabies and the following rules which made the center inefficient it had no other option but close. Our government seems to be hell bend to clear out any non-human species of the face of the Earth. MNR seems to be a Government in itself and it has to be reined in by our elected officials who by the way PROMISED at their ELECTION SPEECHES to do so. Unfortunately their memory is very short and they tend to get forgetful after they sit on the Ministers chair. If you think your policies are just in what you are implementing as rules and regulations and you are totally convinced you are doing the right thing then I would suggest to sit with an injured and orphaned animal while it is in agony and pain till it gives it's last breath. Not many of us have such a hard heart and are so oblivious to the pain and suffering you are causing. Here is a sample of your recent victims. I am sure the whole country side is full with many others. It is not to late to reverse your archaic and self serving rules (All that tax money being used for researching by the MNR for a non-existend threat ) and become what you promised to be at the election time a decent and caring politician.

"You can judge a society by the way it treats its animals" so far we are not getting any prizes.
I also ask to receive a response to this email request . I believe an immediate inquiry needs to be initiated by the government in to the policies of the MNR.

A. Akgun
Stittsville

June 3, 2005

I am appalled that you would sent innocent, young animals to their death because you can't manage to come up with laws of protection for them and their caretakers.

I am an American Citizen that vacations in Canada every summer. I can guarantee you that you will NOT be getting my tourist dollars this year. I have already cancelled my reservations that I had previously made.

When you can pick up your head and hearts and give protection to the wildlife that I come to enjoy and those that care for them then I will return to visiting and spending my money in Canada, but not a moment before that time.

Sincerely,
Mary Jo Bright
resident of California, USA

June 3, 2005

I cannot believe that anyone or any agency would even consider letting a living creature starve to death or put if down for no reason at all. These animals lives are hard enough having to live around people who only their own interests at heart, never mind an agency that would allow and condone this type of cruelty. I am appalled that this is allowed to happen. This government needs to honour the promise to reinstate progressive wildlife protection. These animals need our help as they cannot speak for themselves and are no match against the human animals that seem to think they are so much more important that anything else.

I would greatly appreciate hearing back form you as soon as possible regarding this matter.

Joanne Freeman

May 31, 2005

Dear sir,

I learned that Wildlife rehabilitators cannot rescue and release orphaned wildlife and there is no one to care for the litter who have been left to starve to death . To believe that someone would allow these babies to suffer - could you imagine being left alone, helpless and scared? To slowly starve to death, what a horrific way to die.

Would you want someone to leave you out there, alone to die? I wouldn't. We have the power to protect these animals. It is our duty.

We must stand up and protect this world and everything in it. We must make it a better place for everyone and everything. Please do something!

Sincerely,
Nuntanit Bumrungsap
Bangkok, Thailand

May 31, 2005

Dear Sir;

Now more than ever it is important that the Liberal party honour the promise to reinstate progressive help for wildlife in Ontario. Although I am a citizen of the US (and a former neighbor of Ontario, NY having been my home state), I am appalled that the Canadian government should condone the euthanasia of wildlife when there are animal rehabilitators williing to act in the best interests of the animals. I urge you to change the MNR regulations to International standards without delay and to prevent the deaths of any more animals.

First the vicious attack on baby seals each year to 'cull' the herd, seals being the supposed reason the fish population is declining (ever heard of OVER-FISHING??? And BABY seals don't catch fish, the adults do - even here in the US we don't hunt baby animals, only the adults!)

Now this horrifying news that your government is allowing helpless baby wildlife to starve and die even as people stand ready to help because of some archaeic rules!! What is wrong with your government????? You will certainly be hearing from many of us!

Sincerely

Jane E. Nystel
Chesapeake, Virginia
USA

May 30, 2005

Dear Sirs,

It is absolutely horrible that this regulation has not been changed. Where is justice in this law?

I am disgusted that the MNR is doing nothing to change this policy. Business policies change constantly. I believe an immediate inquiry needs to be initiated by the government.

I also ask to receive a response to this email request once the issue has been reviewed.

Thank you,

Nicole Dunn
Mississauga, ON

May 30, 2005

Dear Sir or Madame;

Now more than ever it is important that the Liberal party honour the promise to reinstate progressive help for wildlife in Ontario. I am appalled that the government should condone the euthanasia of wildlife when there are animal rehabilitators williing to act in the best interests of the animals. I urge you to change the MNR regulations to International standards without delay and to prevent the deaths of any more animals.

D. Gauthier
Brossard, Quebec

May 29, 2005

I have been working with animals for over 13 years and nothing I have seen or heard of upsets me more than the current and proposed MNR regulations. Ontario is the laughing stock of North America right now because our government has allowed this barbaric practice to continue.

I used to be an avid supporter of the Liberal party but unless action is taken to change the current legislation and stop proposed cruel changes, I WILL NOT be voting Liberal in the future. If you think that people are going to sit idly by while you allow animals to suffer, you are sadly mistaken. Dalton McGuinty, you made a promise to residents of Ontario for a more progressive wildlife response - make good on your word. I want the MNR to follow International guidelines, which are humane and sensible.

It breaks my heart to know how many animals the MNR and MY government are allowing to die this year. It angers me that while these animals are suffering and dying you won't allow the professional rehabilitators do their jobs and that it's illegal for anyone else to do it.

Recently our society received a call from a man who beat a mother weasel to death while she was trying to get food to her young. I called the MNR, believing they were there to help the defenseless. I was shocked and horror stricken once I realized those baby weasels were allowed to starve to death. Had I intervened, I was warned I would go to jail. What kind of society puts well meaning people in jail for trying to SAVE an animal's life? Ours does.

"You can judge a society by the way it treats its animals" and if this is true, I'm ashamed to be in our "society". Shame on YOU for not being the only voice the animals of Ontario had and shame on ME for voting you into a position of power that you have wasted.

Randy Melanie Belair
President
The Ferret Aid Society "For the Love of our Fuzzy Friends"
www.ferretaid.org

May 27, 2005

Dear Sir or Madame;

Now more than ever it is important that the Liberal party honour the promise to reinstate progressive help for wildlife in Ontario. As a citizen in the province of Ontario and a voting taxpayer, I am appalled that the government should condone the euthanasia of wildlife when there are animal rehabilitators williing to act in the best interests of the animals. I urge you to change the MNR regulations to International standards without delay and to prevent the deaths of any more animals.

Sincerely

Helen Peagram
Ontario

May 25, 2005

As someone who provided care for orphaned wildlife in the past, we continue to daily hear terrible stories of unnecessary suffering of animals and the extreme frustration of the public. It is quite amazing that you and other Liberal members were so highly critical of the Ontario Conservatives on this issue while in Opposition and yet have done nothing in the past year and a half to honour your written promise to change this abysmal situation.

In fact, under your leadership, the wildlife rehabilitation crisis in Ontario has become much worse. I would like to hear from you as to why your government has decided not to honour its commitment.

Gary DuBreuil
Dunrobin, Ontario

May 25, 2005

I was extremely disappointed when I heard about the closure of the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre several years ago but like most people, a little too apathetic to do anything about it. I crossed paths with an abandoned baby raccoon earlier this week and, as I tried to find help for it, came to realize just how harmful my apathy has been.  

I have since discovered many things, not the least of which is the unreasonable and inhumane restrictions that the OMNR places on wildlife rehabilitators wrt the release of orphaned animals. I understand that you at one point promised a more progressive approach. While I cannot begin to imagine the demands that are made upon you, please know that this is one of utmost importance to myself and many others with whom I have discussed this matter. I implore you to make progressive, humane, and responsible regulations for the care and release of orphaned wildlife a priority.  

In closing, please also know that I agree wholeheartedly with Mahatma Gandhi: "You can judge a society by the way it treats its animals".  I look forward to visible signs of your leadership in this area.  

Regards,

Nancy Young

May 25, 2005

Hello,  

My name is Teegan Skinner. I am truly disgusted about the article below.  To believe that someone would allow these babies to suffer - could you imagine being left alone, helpless and scared?  To slowly starve to death, what a horrific way to die.  Would you want someone to leave you out there, alone to die?  I wouldn't.  We have the power to protect these animals. It is our duty.  We must stand up and protect this world and everything in it. We must make it a better place for everyone and everything. Please do something!  

Sincerely,  

Teegan Skinner
London, Ontario

May 25, 2005

Having recently been in the position of finding a single orphaned raccoon baby, I was appalled to discover that there is no humane means of legally helping such animals. There is no longer a wildlife care facility to take such animals to, and I was informed that it is illegal to rehabilitate one myself. I was informed that the choices are: euthanize the animal or leave it to starve to death. This is unacceptable ethically and it puts undue burden on citizens born with hearts.  

The Liberal government promised to reinstate progressive help for wildlife in Ontario - when will that happen? I expect my government(s) to honour their promises and I ask you to take this message to parliament on behalf of your constituents.  

Thank you.

Maria F .
Ottawa.

May 24, 2005

I would like to be a rehabilitator, but am unable, morally, to follow the MNR guidelines, at this time. For example, my cousins have a problem with a coyote, it has attacked their dog, and they are worried about the small children in the area. They live in a city! They are not within the required 1 km, of anywhere that is safe to release it, instead, it will be destroyed, unless someone breaks the law to see it is released in a safer environment. This is unsafe and morally wrong. This should be left to professionals. If the same things were happenning with the polar bears ... would you want one released within a km of YOUR house? Let's be sensible.

Upon a trip to the metropolis of Toronto, we happened upon a raccoon, right downtown, on the corners of Dundas and Yonge st. Where is there a safe place, within 1 km, to release this poor misplaced animal?

Thank You

Tammbrey Graham,
Southwestern Ontario.

May 17, 2005

Since the Government of Ontario website assures me that the Premier reads every single email, then I look forward to a response explaining the logic to the attached. I am so disgusted by this legislation and am ashamed this is happening in our country. I am not even a wildlife rehabilitator, just an upset citizen.

Thank you,

Joanne Allen
Claremont, Ontario.

May 12, 2005

To all involved in power,

I am disgusted that we can not pay attention to this matter. Everything has been placed on this earth to evolve together. As one falls, remember a domino effect will take place. Stop worrying about how many people come in our country, stop building so much, stop being so greedy in terms of money. This is lives be it human or animal. Im sure you all love animals like the next person. So please look into these matters and actually do what was promised.

Thank you

D. Marcotte
Mississauga, Ontario
Volunteer of Ferret Aid Society of Toronto

May 9, 2005

Dear Premier McGuinty;  

Now more than ever it is encumbent upon the Liberal party to honour the promise to reinstate progressive help for wildlife in Ontario. As an educator in the province of Ontario and a voting taxpayer, I am appalled that the government should condone the euthanasia of wildlife when there are animal rehabilitators williing to act in the best interests of the animals. I urge you to change the MNR regulations to International standards without delay and to prevent the deaths of any more animals.  

Sincerely,

Dr. Jodey Castricano
Associate Professor
Department of English & Film Studies
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5

May 7, 2005

What has happened to a gov't that doesn't respect Their native wildlife? CONSERVATION, where is it? Please do your part in making changes to the laws so that the people who are trained to do so can take care of orphans such as these!  

Cheryl Winkler
Saskatchewan, Canada

May 4, 2005

As taxpayers and voters, we want our voices heard - and your promises honored. Is it any wonder there is so much voter apathy when the very people we elect based on their good word, fail to live up to those words? I am ashamed of our government and the politicians who ignore the concerns of compassionate and caring individuals. We are volunteers, we ask for little in return - we love wildlife and urge you to revisit this issue with the goal of ensuring wildlife rehabilitators are supported and allowed to do what they do so well - save, rehabilitate and release orphaned and injured animals back into the wild.  

I look forward to hearing how you plan to resolve this issue.

Chris Roberts
Munster hamlet, ON